Former President Barack Obama is back in the political spotlight—and he’s taking aim at President Donald Trump. This time, the fight is over redistricting, which could determine whether Democrats or Republicans control Congress after the 2026 midterm elections.
Obama’s fiery comments set off a storm online, while Trump’s supporters fired back, accusing the former president of blatant hypocrisy and trying to manipulate the system to keep Democrats in power.
Obama Attacks Trump’s Redistricting Strategy
In a Thursday post on X (formerly Twitter), Obama accused Trump and Republicans of trying to “rewrite the rules” because they “can’t win on their policies.”
“Republicans can’t win on their policies, so they are trying to dodge accountability by changing the rules,” Obama wrote. “These lawmakers are deliberately undermining our democracy and silencing the will of the people.”
The post went viral, with 28 million views, 29,000 reposts, and over 222,000 likes by Friday morning.
Republicans Fire Back: ‘Pure Hypocrisy’
Conservatives were quick to call out Obama’s double standard.
Kiersten Pels, a Republican National Committee spokesperson, blasted the former president:
“Barack Obama’s comments are pure hypocrisy. Democrats have spent decades gerrymandering states like Maryland, New York, and Illinois beyond recognition. They’ve silenced Republican voters and even skewed the 2020 Census by counting illegal aliens,” Pels told Newsweek.
“Now, they’re angry that Republicans are finally leveling the playing field.”
What’s Really at Stake in 2026
The 2026 midterm elections are shaping up to be a historic showdown.
Traditionally, the party not in the White House gains ground in midterms. Democrats were hoping for a “blue wave” to retake control of the House.
But Trump’s redistricting plan could stop those gains before they start.
- Texas passed a new map that could wipe out five Democrat-held seats.
- Missouri is set to approve a map breaking up Democrat strongholds in Kansas City.
- Indiana may redraw a key battleground district in the northwest.
- Florida and North Carolina could also see new maps, further boosting Republican chances.
Trump praised Missouri’s efforts on Truth Social, writing:
“This new map will give the great people of Missouri the opportunity to elect another MAGA Republican in 2026. The Missouri Senate must pass this map NOW to deliver a gigantic victory for Republicans in the Show-Me State—and across the country.”
Democrats Play the Same Game
While Obama criticizes Republicans, Democrats are quietly redrawing maps in their favor:
- California will vote on a November 2025 ballot measure to replace its independent commission with a Democrat-controlled map lasting until 2030.
- Illinois, Maryland, and New York are also considering new maps.
- Ohio is required by law to redraw districts, with Republicans aiming to eliminate three Democrat-friendly seats.
- Utah is battling over new boundaries, with both parties fighting for control.
California Governor Gavin Newsom even admitted Democrats are pushing for control:
“When the rules are equal, the Republican Party will be the minority party in the House next year,” Newsom said in August.
Why Mid-Decade Redistricting Matters
Normally, redistricting only happens once a decade after the U.S. Census.
But mid-decade redraws, like those Trump is encouraging, can shift political power for years to come—and Democrats know it.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) complained on X:
“Voters should get to choose their representatives, not the other way around. We must stop Trump and GOP gerrymandering efforts.”
The outcome could decide whether Democrats flip the House in 2026 or if Republicans expand their majority and strengthen Trump’s America First agenda.
The Bigger Battle Ahead
This fight isn’t just about district lines—it’s about who controls America’s future.
In 2018, during Trump’s first term, Democrats gained 41 seats and took control of the House.
This time, Trump and his allies are determined not to let history repeat itself.
Voters will have a chance to weigh in this November when California votes on its ballot measure, and the battle over congressional maps will continue right up until Election Day 2026.
Bottom Line
Obama’s latest attack on Trump shows just how high the stakes are heading into the 2026 midterms.
As both sides fight to redraw the maps, the future of Congress—and the country—hangs in the balance.